Bacone College Alumni/ae and Friends

Through the years with Bacone College

The history of this great college is deeply rooted in the traditions and culture of the original Baptist Indian University, which was founded in 1880 at Tahlequah, Indian Territory with three students and one faculty member. By the end of the first year, the school had grown to 59 students and three faculty members.

Indian University was to remain in Tahlequah for five years. But from the start, Prof. Bacone was looking for a more central location. Muskogee, with its Federal Agency for Five Civilized Tribes, offered a more favorable site, one that would help the school to become identified with all the tribes. Accordingly, Bacone appealed to the Creek Tribal Council for a grant of land at Muskogee for his school.

Council session was a stormy one, according to one account, and it appeared that Bacone's request would be bitterly rejected. But a Creek minister, Rev. William McCombs, and other far-sighted men of the Council, saw what a school like this could mean for Indian Territory, and they persuaded others on the Council to change their views. As a result, a charter of land was granted for the college. The date was October 29, 1881.

Later the same year, the three men who had been most instrumental in starting the school, knelt to pray in dedication of the new land overlooking Muskogee. The stone pulpit near the chapel marks the spot. These three men were Almon C. Bacone, the Rev. Daniel Rogers, and the Rev. Joseph S. Murrow. We are proud to call these Christian gentlemen the founders of Bacone College.

Since that time, Bacone has seen many changes, from becoming a Junior College offering accredited instruction in the liberal arts to its present structure as a fully accredited four year College.

Benefits of Membership

Quarterly Newsletter

Along with other mailings throughout the year, membership entitles you to receive the newsletter, which provides you with information about news and events relating to former classmates and friends, and events and news of Bacone.

Alumni Automobile Decal

Let everyone know you are proud to be an Alumnus by displaying this attractive decal on your vehicle.

Input in the future of the Alumni Association

Throughout the year we'll be asking for your input, in the selection of members of the Alumni Association Board of Directors and nominations for the Outstanding Alumnus awards.

Special Activities

Activities of particular interest to Alumni will be available including reunions, homecoming, drama productions, etc.

Local Chapters

We realize that is difficult for you to travel back to Bacone. The Alumni Association wants to provide as many opportunities as possible for you to stay involved with your alma mater. By developing local chapters in areas where a number of alumni reside, individual are able to stay connected with Bacone as well as foster friendships with other alums in their area. If you are interested in joining an existing chapter or helping develop a chapter in your area, please call the Alumni office.

More Information

Membership in the Bacone Alumni Association is open to graduates of Bacone, former students, faculty and "friends" of the College. You may contact the Alumni Association at the following numbers:


(918) 687-3299
(918) 781-76276 (Fax)